WASTECON® Opening Keynote to Deliver Safety Insights from the Airline Industry
Join us for an engaging opening keynote where K. Scott Griffith, renowned aviation safety expert, will share his insights into the aviation industry's approach to safety and risk management. Through an insightful presentation Griffith will dive into how the principles and strategies used to enhance safety in aviation —an industry with zero-tolerance for error— can be applied to solid waste and resource management. Drawing compelling parallels, he will explore how both industries must manage high-risk environments, complex logistics, and strict regulatory requirements, offering valuable lessons to improve safety outcomes in our field.
Following Griffith’s keynote, Lynsey K. Baer, Chief of Engineering at the Delaware Solid Waste Authority, will lead a focused conversation to expand on key takeaways and explore practical applications.
This keynote is just one component of an incredible WASTECON 2024 experience, which includes over 50 concurrent education sessions, hands-on learning through experiential tours, engaging Catalyst Sessions on the exhibit hall floor, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to gain insights, exchange ideas, and connect with industry leaders shaping the future of solid waste and resource management.
Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has joined the board of directors of the Tire Recycling Foundation in an effort to contribute the knowledge, resources, and expertise of SWANA to support of the goal of tire reuse and recycling.
“SWANA is committed to being part of the solution by supporting the expanding tire reuse markets,” says Lestition Burke. “As a key stakeholder, we look forward to being part of the foundation’s work to achieve critical goals and progress in tire recycling initiatives.”
To learn more about the organization and to view its resources, visit the Tire Recycling Foundation website. To learn more about SWANA’s role, view the press release.
2024 Safety Award Runner-Up: Municipality of East Hants
The Wellness Committee in the Municipality of East Hants, an applicant to the SWANA 2024 Workplace Wellness award, has a robust program to support employee physical and mental health. The Wellness Committee uses a variety of activities to build healthy habits. Andrea Trask, manager of solid waste at the Municipality of East Hants, says employees have shared lots of positive feedback about the program. “Expanding our program to include different facets of wellness including physical health, mental health, and social health has been a more inclusive approach, and we reach more team members.”
As a national member of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), SWANA participated in the ISWA General Assembly at the World Congress. SWANA member James Law of SCS Engineers was elected to the presidency of ISWA. SWANA gained many valuable connections and technical content from around the world at the event.
The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) has been active in the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) Climate Change Conference. ISWA seeks to engage and influence key decision-makers worldwide to make it clear that sustainable waste management is an essential investment for reducing emissions.
State of California Sues Exxon Mobile Regarding Plastics Recycling Claims
On September 23, 2024, the attorney general of the state of California filed a civil lawsuit accusing Exxon Mobil of making false claims about plastics recycling. The suit raises issues related to plastic waste, microplastics, “deceptive” promotion of mechanical recycling in the 1970s, “deceptive” promotion of advance recycling, harm to California’s natural resources, and more.
This first of its kind lawsuit may have adverse impacts for recycling markets and the growth of recycling technology. SWANA will be monitoring as the case advances. SWANA members are encouraged to utilize the SWANA resources and information on recycling in communications and advocacy activities.
This total of $117 million for three separate funding opportunities is intended to advance recycling infrastructure and boost food waste prevention education across the US. The EPA will host webinars to discuss the funding opportunities, key sections of the application, and the application process.
For more updates on recycling and composting, join SWANA at WASTECON. You can filter the schedule to view the sessions related to sustainable materials management.
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